President Antonio Percassi reacts to the Europa League quarter-final draw. Atalanta will have to play German side RB Leipzig in the two-legged tie (1st leg on 7 April in Germany, return game on 14 April in Bergamo) for a place in the UEL semi-finals. This was also an opportunity to talk about the exciting victory away to Leverkusen, which is dedicated to Bergamo’s families who have coped with very heavy situations in these two years of pandemic.
President Percassi, if I told you “Atalanta v Leipzig”? What would you say?
“It gives me a headache because they are a great and very strong team. It’s a big and important club. So, it will be a very challenging encounter.”
But Atalanta are in the Europa League quarter-finals. They say there are only strong teams and this means Atalanta are also strong, aren’t they?
“Yes, absolutely. There are no doubts. It will be another match that makes you grow, of course. The lads are surely better prepared now than they were a few years ago. Well, it will be an amazing match. Let’s hope we’ll make a good impression.”
How important was it to participate in these European competitions, the Europa League and the Champions League, to grow, to mature and to learn new things?
“There’s always something to learn. At such level… I’ve just realised the teams against whom we played, and here’s another one. It’s another great experience. It’s different from playing exclusively in Italy. It helped us improve.”
President, there’s still time before the quarter-finals as they take place in April, on 7 and 14 April. But the Round of 16 isn’t far yet. The emotions we felt in the Round of 16 are still strong. How did you watch the match at the BayArena?
“I was, as always, together with my grandchild Vittorio. We were very excited. We did very well in the first half but had to struggle in the second one. But that goal in the final minutes was outstanding.”
Many Bergamaschi followed the team to the BayArena.
“It’s a good sign. We missed it. It makes you understand how important Atalanta are for the Bergamaschi, for the people of Bergamo and for the Atalanta fans. We were happy to realize that they will never leave us.”
The UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, Atalanta v Leipzig. Would you have liked to face another opponent?
“Yes, honestly, I would. Anyway, it’s part of the game. I think it will be an amazing match.”
18 March 2020, two years ago, the images from Bergamo during the Covid-19 emergency spread all over the world. Atalanta won yesterday. When you win, the win is always dedicated to someone special.
“We must and we’d like to dedicate yesterday’s match to all the people who went through really hard times. We’re perfectly aware of the damage caused to the city and the province [of Bergamo], which became the most affected territory in Italy and the whole world saw that. Those images were devastating. We can only be close to these families, hoping that it can be solved soon, as it’s still here.”
President, the win over Bayer Leverkusen can give [the team] a push for the league as well?
“Let’s hope so. We’ve done well so far. We had to struggle a lot in the last matches of the league. It’s also because many players aren’t available yet. We should recover them soon so that we can end the season well.”
President Percassi, are you happy with how far Atalanta have gone?
“Yes, I think about it a lot. Every single day. It doesn’t seem true! Honestly, it’s a dream come true. It’s all thanks to a great coach, great players, and all the managing staff who work for Atalanta. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”